Carcieri hedges bet on Lifespan/Care NE merger

Is putting 75 percent of RI's hospital system under the control of one entity a good idea?

Governor Carcieri plays it down the middle:

“While the creation of such a dominant health care network raises a number of important concerns, it also creates the potential for significant positive progress on a number of fronts,” Carcieri continued.“Done correctly, this merger could actually help drive health care reform in Rhode Island.In particular, we expect this merger will create opportunities to improve health care quality, reduce health care costs, make the use of health information technology more widespread and effective, and bolster Rhode Island’s primary care system.”

“My administration is committed to using its powers under the Hospital Conversion Act to ensure that this merger will achieve these goals.We will take every precaution under this law to guarantee that we have thoroughly and completely evaluated the merger proposal and its impact on the state’s health care delivery system,” the Governor said.“Our primary objective in this process is to protect the interests of the Rhode Island public and to promote access to quality, affordable health care.”

"In the coming weeks and months, my administration will work collaboratively with the Attorney General to ensure that this merger is right for Rhode Island."